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Black River Harbor Campground in Michigan
Moderate to BookNational Forest

Black River Harbor Campground

Ottawa National Forest, Michigan

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As of October 2026, Black River Harbor Campground is a campground in Ottawa National Forest, Michigan with 26 campsites. Black River Harbor Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks Black River Harbor Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • Black River Harbor Campground is located at 46.6703° N, 90.0497° W.
people allowed on each site
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Black River Harbor Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Stay and booking rules

  • Maximum consecutive stay: 14 consecutive nights
  • Minimum stay: 2 consecutive nights
  • Reservations close: 4 day(s) prior to arrival
  • Tribal discount available

Published by Recreation.gov for Black River Harbor Campground, read on September 30, 2026.

Campsites at Black River Harbor Campground

  • Standard 26

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography.

All sites at Black River Harbor Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the Main Loop loop.

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About Black River Harbor Campground

Overview

Planning a trip to the Black River Harbor Campground? Watch for Alerts at the top of the page for any Alerts regarding this facility.

Black River Campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The recreation area includes a pavilion, harbor and a large picnic area. The area provides for many opportunities for fishing, boating, backpacking, hiking, bird watching, photography and beautiful scenery for relaxation in the outdoors.

Recreation

The campground is adjacent to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area. The Harbor offers one of the area's few access points to Lake Superior, with boating and fishing being a major summer time activity. Fishing charters are available at the harbor dock area. The boat ramp can accommodate almost any craft trailered in. Parking for trucks and boat trailers is ample. The area has many trails that follow the Black River leading you to the many waterfalls along the river. The recreation area has a large grassy area for picnics.

Facilities

The Black River Campground has 38 available campsites that can accommodate RVs, campers or tents. There are two concrete vault toilet buildings at either end of the campground. All campsites are wooded with partial shade and have a generous area to spread out in. There are five campsites that are within a few hundred feet of Lake Superior.

Natural Features

Known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails and tranquil campground, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area is a popular destination throughout the year. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwood trees. The River has a series of scenic waterfalls as it drops in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tannic acids) from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (906) 661-8870.

Nearby Attractions

A historic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is located in the recreation area next to the campground. The recreation area includes a large picnic area and Black River Harbor that has fishing charters available and in itself is a scenic area to explore. Trails run adjacent to the Black River and lead to several waterfalls. A foot bridge and short walk will take you across the Black River to Lake Superior and the sand beach swimming areas.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations

  • If you cancel reservation at least 2 days prior to check in date, all recreation fees, minus a $10 cancellation fee and the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) will be refunded.
  • If you cancel reservation the day before or the day of check in date, all recreation fees, minus $10 cancellation fee, the reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center), and the first night’s use fee will be refunded. Cancellations for one night reservations will forfeit the entire amount paid.
  • The reservation fee ($8 if made online or $9 if made through the call center) is non-refundable.

No Show

Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

For more information about rules and reservation policies, visit the Recreaiton.gov Rules and Reservations Policy page.

Rules and notices at Black River Harbor Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Black River Harbor Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Camping in a developed recreation site is allowed for a period not longer than 14 days , except as otherwise posted. After this time, you must move to another campground or dispersed site for at least 24 hours.

Campers must occupy the campsite the first night.

Eight people and two motorized vehicles are allowed per campsite with a maximum of one RV or camper trailer and two tents per camping site or three tents per camping site. There is additional parking space near the self-service fee station.

Enjoy your visit to the Ottawa National Forest. If you have any questions, please call (906)-932-1330.

Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information. Gathering of dead and down wood within the camping area for use during stay is permissible.

Generators are allowed but only between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 6:00am

Campsite "switching" is not permitted. You must occupy the campsite that you made a reservation for unless you have received prior permission from the Ottawa National Forest.

This campground is operated by Camp Host, LLC under a special use permit with the Ottawa National Forest.

No water available at campground for entire 2026 season. Please plan accordingly. We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Black River Harbor Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Black River Harbor Campground?

Black River Harbor Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 26 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Black River Harbor Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Black River Harbor Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Black River Harbor Campground have?

Black River Harbor Campground has 26 campsites.

More campgrounds in Ottawa National Forest

Same forest, same drive. Set an alert on any of them alongside this one.

All 8 Ottawa National Forest campgrounds

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